In this podcast episode, Maggie discusses her personal journey and insights with Amanda. They converse about the challenges and growth she has experienced, particularly focusing on self-trust, emotional growth, and overcoming her divorce. Maggie shares her thoughts on being less judgmental, finding joy in everyday moments, and the importance of self-compassion. They also touch on the significance of treating others kindly and the impact of her work on readers. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and creative inspiration, highlighting Maggie's book, "You Could Make This Place Beautiful."

Timestamps: 

• [03:25] Maggie discusses how she has learned to trust herself more over the years.
• [05:12] Maggie about wanting to be less judgmental and embrace the ambiguity of life.
• [06:58] Maggie discusses how she dealt with the emotional pain of her divorce.
• [12:37] Discussion of how past fears don't define present bravery, despite being labeled as a scaredy cat.
• [27:39] Exploring the idea that creating something from a place of pain can be beneficial and supportive for others, giving purpose to the pain.

Key Takeaways

• Trust oneself and listen to your inner voice.
• Grow emotionally and strive to be less judgmental
• Embrace uncertainty about the next story to tell.
• Practice self-compassion and be kinder to yourself.
• Find joy in everyday moments.
• Reflect on what you would tell your eight-year-old self.
• Create something meaningful from painful experiences and share it with others.

Resources: 

Maggie Smith - Website

Maggie Smith Facebook

Maggie Smith X

Maggie Smith Instagram

About this podcast:

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a groundbreaking series of weekly interviews featuring candid conversations with impactful thought leaders. Host, Amanda de Cadenet provides a platform for raw and honest discussions on a wide variety of topics from porn to politics. Visit amandadecadenet.com to learn more and sign up for her newsletter. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandadecadenet. Follow Amanda on Substack at amandadecadenet.substack.com

Biography:

Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1977, Maggie Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful; the national bestsellers Goldenrod and Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change; as well as Good Bones, named one of the Best Five Poetry Books of 2017 by the Washington Post and winner of the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal in Poetry; The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, winner of the 2012 Dorset Prize and the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal in Poetry; and Lamp of the Body, winner of the 2003 Benjamin Saltman Award. 

Maggie Smith's latest book, My Thoughts Have Wings, a picture book illustrated by SCBWI Portfolio grand prize winner Leanne Hatch, is now available from Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins.  

Smith holds a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and an MFA from The Ohio State University. She has taught creative writing at Gettysburg College, Ohio Wesleyan University, in the MFA and undergraduate programs at Ohio State University, and for the Antioch University Los Angeles Low-Residency MFA. After working for several years in trade book and educational publishing, she now works as a freelance writer and editor, and as MFA faculty for the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing.